Insect Allergy
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Insect Allergy
on the back of their bodies that can shoot venom into your skin. Insect stings can cause the area around the sting to swell, turn red, hurt, and feel hot. But if you have an insect allergy, the sting also can cause symptoms throughout your body. пїЅ пїЅ
Some people have a more serious reaction, called "anaphylaxis. " пїЅ Call for an ambulance (in the United States and Canada, dial 9-1-1) if you are stung by an insect and you suddenly: пїЅ пїЅ
Is there a test for an insect allergy? " пїЅ Yes. If you had a severe reaction after an insect sting, you should see an allergy specialist. You will need a blood or skin test, or sometimes both tests. пїЅ пїЅ
How is an insect allergy treated? " пїЅ Treatments include: пїЅ пїЅ
What can I do to reduce the chances of getting stung? " пїЅ You can: пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Flushing " пїЅ Flushing is when your skin turns red and feels hot, especially on your face.
- Hives " пїЅ These are red, raised patches of skin that are very itchy (picture 2).
- Angioedema " пїЅ This is swelling of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, hands, and feet (picture 3).
- Have trouble breathing, become hoarse, or start wheezing (hear a whistling sound when you breathe)
- Start to swell, especially in the throat or around the face, eyelids, mouth, hands, or feet
- Develop belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Feel dizzy or pass out
- Allergy shots " пїЅ These shots will make you much less likely to have a serious reaction if you get stung again. You will likely get shots 1 to 3 times a week for a few months. After that, you will get a shot once a month for at least 3 years. Some people get monthly shots up to 5 years or longer.
- Epinephrine " пїЅ This medicine helps stop the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It comes in pre-filled injectors, so you can give yourself an injection (shot) if needed. If you had a serious reaction to an insect sting in the past, you should always carry at least one epinephrine injector at all times.
- Stay calm and slowly back away if you see a stinging insect. Do not wave your arms.
- Keep foods and drinks covered when you are outside, and clean up any spills right away.
- Avoid wearing sandals and open-toed shoes in the summer.
- Avoid doing things that might disturb an insect nest, such as mowing the lawn or pruning a hedge.
- If you find an insect nest in or near your house, call a pest-control service to get rid of the nest safely. Do not try to do it yourself.
- If you live in an area that has fire ants, avoid stepping on ant mounds and wear shoes and socks when outside.
Hives
Hives are raised, red patches of skin that are usually very itchy. They usually come and go within a few hours. But they can show up again and again in some people.
Graphic 79242 Version 5.0
Hives
Hives are raised, red patches of skin that are usually very itchy. They usually come and go within a few hours. But they can show up again and again in some people.
Graphic 79242 Version 5.0
Angioedema of the lips and tongue
Angioedema causes puffiness of the tissues under the skin, often in the face. These photos show angioedema that affects the lips (A) and one side of the tongue (B).
Graphic 73131 Version 4.0
Angioedema of the lips and tongue
Angioedema causes puffiness of the tissues under the skin, often in the face. These photos show angioedema that affects the lips (A) and one side of the tongue (B).
Graphic 73131 Version 4.0